{"id":40034,"date":"2022-05-23T08:10:39","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T14:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40034"},"modified":"2022-06-02T21:51:14","modified_gmt":"2022-06-03T03:51:14","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-298-peak-5212-peak-5213-3-15-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40034","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 298 – Peak 5212 & Peak 5213 (3-15-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

9:05 AM, 47\u00baF, Custer State Park, Center Lake<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Center Lake is still frozen, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but don’t trust it, Loop.\u00a0 We’re going around the lake, not over it.<\/em><\/p>\n

A path went S from the beach along the W shore.\u00a0 Easy as pie at first, but soon the shoreline started getting sort of steep and rocky.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog got by an initial tight spot, but more obstacles quickly decided SPHP that she’d be better off climbing W a bit.\u00a0 The maneuver worked, but the 40 feet of elevation gained all had to be lost again by the time Lupe made it around to the S end of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the beach at Center Lake<\/strong>. The dam (L) is at the far end. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading S along the W shore. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going past the first pinch point. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Center Lake<\/strong> from the SW end. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Center Lake is created by a dam over Coolidge Creek.\u00a0 Loop was going to have to cross the spillway.\u00a0 Not a big deal.\u00a0 Coolidge Creek is a relatively small stream.\u00a0 Spread out over the spillway, it was only inches deep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The dam and spillway. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wading across the spillway. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the spillway, a trail was visible in a field below the dam.\u00a0 Descending to the trail, the American Dingo was soon climbing at a good clip as she followed it ENE.\u00a0 After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the trail began to level out, briefly turning SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the trail after picking it up below the dam. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’ll need to climb this slope on the R, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leave the trail, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 It’s just going to go back N along the E side of the lake.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave the trail to climb the slope on the R. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And where are we going, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

HP5005<\/span><\/strong> initially, Loop.\u00a0 Hoping we’ll see our real objective from there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing SE after leaving the trail, Looper gained another 100 feet of elevation.\u00a0 This got her to a flat spot next to a small rock formation.\u00a0 There was a bit of a view from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the initial viewpoint. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This wasn’t HP5005<\/span><\/strong> quite yet, which was only a little farther E.\u00a0 After a short break, Lupe headed up there.\u00a0 A big hill was in sight 0.6 mile ESE.<\/p>\n

That’s where we’re going, Loop!\u00a0 Peak<\/span><\/strong> 5212<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at HP5005<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5212<\/strong> (R of Center) from HP5005<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SW portions of the South Fork of Bear Gulch were between HP5005<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 5212.\u00a0 Rather than cross this fairly deep valley, Lupe could avoid at least some of the elevation loss she would otherwise incur by following a connecting ridge around the upper end of the gulch.<\/p>\n

Starting down HP5005<\/span><\/strong>‘s S slope, Lupe quickly came to a clearing where Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 5440<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5440<\/strong> (L) and Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R) from HP5005<\/span>‘s S slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same view with help from the telephoto lens. Peak 5440<\/strong> (L) and Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge route was nice and wide without obstacles other than quite a bit of slash on the ground, but wasn’t without some elevation loss itself.\u00a0 The biggest drop of roughly 140 feet came early on S of HP5005<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Most of this loss had to be regained almost immediately.\u00a0 Upon reaching HP4960<\/span><\/strong>, a flat-topped hill, Loop crossed it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing HP4960<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond HP4960<\/span><\/strong>, the ridge went E.\u00a0 Not as much up and down now, but the ridge was narrower and presented more obstacles.\u00a0 A minor high point was capped with good-sized rock formations.\u00a0 Once around it, Lupe came to an area with a fair amount of deadfall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching a rocky high point. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Encountering deadfall. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

None of these obstacles presented any real difficulties, they just slowed things down a bit.\u00a0 Lupe was soon on her way up Peak 5212’s SW ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past most of the obstacles. Peak 5440<\/strong> (far L), Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP5160<\/span><\/strong> (R), Peak 5212’s SE subpeak<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The SW ridge<\/strong>, not far from the summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:12 AM, 53\u00baF – <\/em>Peak <\/span><\/strong>5212<\/span><\/a><\/strong>‘s summit region was large and much more open than expected.\u00a0 The true summit was easily identified, a boulder along the S edge with a great view of Peak 5440 and Mount Coolidge off to the SW, with more distant Northeast Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> visible between them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5212<\/strong>. True summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 5212’s true summit<\/strong>. Peak 5440<\/strong> (L), Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (Center) with Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> between them. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 You’ve just bagged another Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peak.\u00a0 Only one left in Custer State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> that you haven’t been to yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 Can we see it from here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, but you’ll be seeing it later on today.\u00a0 We’ll drive closer to it once we’re done here.<\/em><\/p>\n

This calls for a chocolate coconut bar, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed it did!\u00a0 SPHP split one with Loop, then sat munching an apple.\u00a0 Lovely day!\u00a0 Always nice when the American Dingo arrived on a new peak that actually had some views like this, instead of being buried in trees.\u00a0 Nearly half an hour shot by before anyone stirred.<\/p>\n

About time we had a look around, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s check out what else we can see from up here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoping to catch a good view of HP5160<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP led Lupe partway down the SE ridge, but quickly gave up on that idea to avoid undue elevation loss.\u00a0 Heading NW back past the true summit was more successful.\u00a0 A line of hills featuring massive rock formations was visible off to the NE.\u00a0 Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight beyond Peak<\/span> 5688<\/span><\/a><\/strong> to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SE end of the summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rocky territory (R) off to the NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5688<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground. Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (R of Center) and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R) beyond. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Circling back to the true summit along Peak 5212’s upper S slope, Lupe finally did get a great view of HP5160<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP5160<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Peak 5212’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having seen what there was to see, Looper headed back down the SW ridge.\u00a0 Retracing her entire ridge route, the Carolina Dog was soon back at HP5005<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Descending Peak 5212’s SW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5212<\/strong> as seen on the way back to HP5005<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From HP5005<\/span><\/strong>, instead of continuing back the same way, Lupe explored farther NE along the ridge.\u00a0 She soon came to another high point where a flat, open area was strewn with rocks, tufts of tall grass, and scattered pines.\u00a0 SPHP was under the impression that this area might even be a bit higher than HP5005<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 In any case, it offered a final view of Peak 5212.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the elevated region NE of HP5005<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On one of the highest rocks. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Farewell, Peak 5212<\/strong>! Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge played out beyond this last high point.\u00a0 Descending a N slope, Looper kept exploring.\u00a0 Coming down a little E of, and below, a broad, flat region, she turned NW, going up and over it.\u00a0 This led to a descent into a forested valley, and eventually back to the same trail Lupe had first reached down by Center Lake’s dam.<\/p>\n

Following the trail NW, it first went up to a bit of a high spot with a view of the spillway, before descending to a road that went past a picnic area on the NE side of Center Lake.\u00a0 The rest of the return was mostly just a road hike around the N end of the lake.\u00a0 (End 1:18 PM, 58\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Center Lake<\/strong> with a view of the dam and spillway (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Reaching the road that goes past the picnic area. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:49 PM, 58\u00baF, French Creek Horse Camp<\/em> – SPHP parked the RAV4 over at the trailhead for Centennial Trail No. 89.<\/p>\n

The French Creek Horse Camp!\u00a0 We were here not that long ago, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loop!\u00a0 Explored Centennial Trail No. 89 from Badger Hole, and went on to Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong> from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ugh!\u00a0 Hope we’re not doing that again, SPHP!\u00a0 Remember all the deadfall on the way there?\u00a0 Ghastly!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but we survived.\u00a0 Anyway, we’re not going to Peak 5120 again.\u00a0 Going to visit that last Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peak here in Custer State Park that you haven’t been to yet, Peak<\/span> 5213<\/span><\/a><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 5213, SPHP?\u00a0 A mere one foot higher than Peak 5212 where we just were?\u00a0 Hope they’re like twins!\u00a0 Peak 5212 wasn’t that hard, and had some nice views.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before leaving the French Creek Horse Camp, Lupe ran down to French Creek and helped herself to a drink.\u00a0 Last time she’d been here, the creek had been frozen over, but ice remained only along the banks now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
French Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The route to Peak 5213 started out the same way as going to Peak 5120 had.\u00a0 After crossing a bridge over French Creek, Loop followed CSP Road No. 4 nearly 0.5 mile SE up to Pass 4780<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A couple of bighorn sheep the American Dingo saw disappearing over the ridge to the W created some excitement along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
CSP Road No. 4 on the way to up Pass 4780<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The exciting retreating bighorns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This time, instead of heading NE from Pass 4780<\/span><\/strong> like she’d done on the way to Peak 5120, Lupe turned W on a dirt side road.\u00a0 A short climb through the forest led to a flat, open region.<\/p>\n

A line of hills was now in sight to the SW.<\/p>\n

Oh, joy!\u00a0 We’re in for it again, aren’t we Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Most of the hills had burned.\u00a0 Going to be deadfall city, just like Peak 5120 had been!\u00a0 Maybe not, though, if this road went the right way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Let’s hope this road goes clear to the top!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yeah, good luck with that!\u00a0 Instead of continuing SW toward Peak 5213, after going over a little rise, the road dipped, then curved NW, vanishing down a valley.\u00a0 No choice.\u00a0 Abandoning the road, Lupe started climbing the deadfall infested ridge leading to the highest hill in sight.<\/p>\n

Slow going, but the Carolina Dog remained cheerful.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Don’t worry, we’ll get there!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a mess!\u00a0 Loopster leapt over, or snuck under, countless dead trees. Fortunately, most were relatively small diameter.\u00a0 Bit by bit, Lupe was closing in on her objective.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Not too much farther now!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It wasn’t until the Carolina Dog got to a rocky, deadfall-choked top that SPHP realized where she was.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Loop!\u00a0 Kind of an ordeal, wasn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Here we are, though, SPHP.\u00a0 We made it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Umm, yeah, about that.\u00a0 There’s good news and bad news, Looper.\u00a0 Which do you want first?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll take the good news, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

The good news is that we made it this far.<\/em><\/p>\n

This far?\u00a0 What do you mean by that, SPHP?\u00a0 Isn’t this Peak<\/span> 5213<\/span><\/a><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, yes and no.\u00a0 Mostly no.\u00a0 That’s the bad news.\u00a0 Peak 5213 is sort of a big ridge with 3 high points all nearly the same elevation strung out N\/S along it.\u00a0 We’re at the N summit now.\u00a0 See those two flat-topped hills to the S?\u00a0 Those are the other summits.\u00a0 The topo map only shows only one specific elevation other than contours – 5,213 feet way over at the S summit.\u00a0 Lists of John just calls this mountain Peak 5220 based on contour levels and shows the central high point as the presumed true summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, what you’re telling me, SPHP, is that we still have to go to both of those other hills?<\/em><\/p>\n

I knew you’d be thrilled, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the N summit<\/strong>. Center one<\/strong> (Center) and S one<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A somewhat clearer view. Peak 5213 center summit<\/strong> (L), S summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, with 3 high points to visit, Lupe clearly wasn’t going to have time for any traditional summit hour up on each one.\u00a0 In fact, there was no sense in dilly-dallying.\u00a0 Loop was going to be spending plenty of time slogging through the deadfall, and would not feel at all cheated out of a genuine Peak 5213 experience.<\/p>\n

Loop did stay on the N summit long enough to check out a nice view to the NW, where Daisy Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,948 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Custer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,089 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Daisy Peak<\/strong> (far L), Custer Mountain<\/strong> (L), Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not bad, but … Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo started down the N high point’s SW slope destined for the ridge connecting all 3 high points.\u00a0 Once there, Lupe turned S.\u00a0 Fighting deadfall all the way, she made it to the middle high point’s NW slope.\u00a0 Less deadfall here meant the required 100 feet of elevation gain didn’t take her long.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down the N summit’s SW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the middle high point’s NW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The central high point’s summit encompassed a much larger region than the N summit, which had been small and cramped.\u00a0 Loopster reached a plateau of rocks, wisps of tall yellow grass, and tree trunks.\u00a0 A couple of rocks along the NE edge appeared to be the absolute high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit plateau<\/strong> of Peak 5213’s central high point<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
True summit<\/strong> of the middle high point<\/strong>. This is where Lists of John shows the summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the N summit, the other two high points appeared to be roughly the same elevation, but the perspective from the middle summit gave quite a different impression.\u00a0 The N summit looked definitely lower.\u00a0 Even the S summit looked a bit lower, but not convincingly enough to make a trip over there unnecessary.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5213’s N summit<\/strong> (Center) from the middle summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S summit<\/strong> (L of Center) from the middle high point<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe continued on.\u00a0 The saddle leading to the S summit was broad and relatively deadfall free.\u00a0 Felt good to be able to move freely again!\u00a0 Loop was approaching the saddle’s low point, when she suddenly stopped and started whining, staring all the while toward the S high point’s E slope.<\/p>\n

Giant deers, SPHP!\u00a0 A whole herd of them going up onto the S summit!\u00a0 Hurry up, I want to see them!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the S summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Giant deers along the ridgeline. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Must have been 20 giant deer, or more, but Lupe was whining so loudly that they could hear her and quickly vanished from view.\u00a0 They’d still been going up, though, as if they still intended to finish their climb of Peak 5213’s S summit.<\/p>\n

SPHP tried, but although the saddle was relatively deadfall free, the S summit’s N slope was full of deadfall.\u00a0 Branches snapped and cracked as SPHP trudged higher.\u00a0 Noisy and slow!\u00a0 Not a good combination.<\/p>\n

4:07 PM, 54\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5213<\/span><\/a><\/strong> S summit<\/em> – Unsurprisingly, too late!\u00a0 By the time SPHP reached the top, there was no sign of the giant deers.\u00a0 Loop was disappointed.\u00a0 Ahead stretched the largest summit plateau of all.\u00a0 It was another scene of desolation, but not quite as rocky as either of the other two summits.\u00a0 The marginally highest rocks were toward the SW, gripped in the clutches of the roots of a fallen tree.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S summit plateau<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Highest rocks of the S summit<\/strong>, where the map shows 5,213 feet of elevation. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Views all around from here.\u00a0 Perhaps the best one was off to the WNW where Northeast Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Daisy Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,948 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Custer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,096 feet.)<\/span><\/strong> were on display about 5 miles away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (L), Daisy Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), Custer Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, that’s a wrap, Loop!\u00a0 Think it’s safe to say that you’ve been to the top of Peak<\/span> 5213<\/span><\/a><\/strong> now, no matter which high point is actually the true summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Any opinion on which one is really the true summit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to say.\u00a0 Not the N high point, but either here or the middle high point might be it.\u00a0 <\/em>And how about an opinion from you, Loop?\u00a0 Which mountain did you enjoy more, Peak 5212 or Peak 5213?<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 5212 was easier, prettier, and had some nice views, SPHP, but with big horn sheep and giant deers, Peak 5213 is my favorite!<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 Despite all the wretched deadfall, and 3 summits to visit, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 It was worth it to see the bighorns and giant deers.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, good!\u00a0 Glad the deadfall didn’t bother you that much, cause you’ll be seeing a lot more of it on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

And she did!\u00a0 Heading N down off Peak 5213’s S summit, Lupe went past both the middle and N summits again, but didn’t climb them a second time.\u00a0 Instead, she continued N, then NW, along the ridge before finally descending into a valley to the W.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog didn’t fully escape the deadfall until she reached Centennial Trail No. 89 down in the valley.<\/p>\n

This stretch of the trail was actually a road.\u00a0 A road that was still soft and mucky due to snow melt.\u00a0 Avoiding the mud, Lupe spent more time off road than on it, but the situation improved by the time she reached CSP Road No. 4 again SW of the French Creek Horse Camp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong>, which was actually a road here, on the way back to CSP Road No. 4 and the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest was super easy.\u00a0 CSP Road No. 4 was flat and firm.\u00a0 A beautiful evening stroll ended back at the French Creek Horse Camp with Lupe enjoying another cold, clear drink from French Creek before leaping back into the RAV4.\u00a0 Expedition over, time to go home!\u00a0 (5:41 PM, 55\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5212<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-15-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

9:05 AM, 47\u00baF, Custer State Park, Center Lake – Center Lake is still frozen, SPHP! Yeah, but don’t trust it, Loop.\u00a0 We’re going around the lake, not over it. A path went S from the beach along the W shore.\u00a0 Easy as pie at first, but soon the shoreline started getting sort of steep and … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 298 – Peak 5212 & Peak 5213 (3-15-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,1172,104,1564,1565,304],"class_list":["post-40034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-custer-state-park","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5212","tag-peak-5213","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_4329-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40034","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=40034"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40034\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40852,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40034\/revisions\/40852"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40034"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}